If you’re feeling a little sneezy, dizzy, congested, or achy, join the club.

The flu, common cold, and various respiratory and stomach ailments are making the rounds.

The Centers for Disease Control reported influenza activity across much of the country.

A little closer to home, people are vising the emergency department in local hospitals and seeking self-help from the drug store.

The Emergency Department at Charlton Memorial Hospital is treating about 25 patients per day with flu-like symptoms. About 11 or 12 of those patients also have stomach upset or illness.

“We do see this this time of year,” said Lisa Bechard, director of Charlton’s emergency department. “The respiratory illnesses have definitely increased. It’s not unexpected.”

Bechard said the Emergency Department over the past two weeks has seen a 44 percent increase in respiratory ailments.

Some of the same is being reported at Saint Anne’s Hospital and Morton Hospital in Taunton.

“The past week has been busier than usual in our Emergency Room but this is typical during the holiday season,” said Saint Anne’s Hospital spokeswoman Anne Ferreira. “We’ve seen a slight increase in the number of upper respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia, and a few cases of suspected flu.”

At Walsh Pharmacy on Rock Street in Fall River, customers are coming in for everything from cough medicine, to aspirin, to advice.

Pasternak is happy to make recommendations to his customers dealing with the flu or cold.

He said decongestants like Mucinex do the job to thin mucus that can cause congestion in the lungs and lead to bacterial infection. If an infection develops, antibiotics must be prescribed.

“Chicken soup does the same,” Pasternak said. “It thins the mucus.”

Aspirin is another recommendation to “reduce aches and pains.”

Other than that, Pasternak said those suffering from the flu or a cold should get plenty of bed rest and stay hydrated. He’s also a “big fan of probiotics.”

Bechard said patients should call their doctor or visit the emergency department if they feel that symptoms are not going away, if they are dehydrated, cannot swallow, are unable to eat or drink, are having difficulty breathing, are elderly or very young, or have a compromised immune system, such as people with HIV or who are undergoing chemotherapy.

“If they feel their symptoms are bad enough, they should come in,” Bechard said.

Bechard said those not sick enough for medical attention should stay home and drink fluids consistently, even if only able to hold down small amounts at a time. They can also drink high calorie shakes if unable to eat.

Page 2 of 2 - They should not smoke or be around smokers, and should make sure to sneeze or cough into their elbow so as not to spread the illness. Another precaution is to wash hands often and not share drinks or utensils.